Over 700 participants are set to compete for a total prize pool of N10 million at the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa's largest school chess tournament. The tournament is scheduled to take place on May 2, 2026.
FirstBank, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has committed to sponsoring the event. The bank's Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, expressed the bank's dedication to supporting sports in Nigeria. According to Ijabiyi, the bank's sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects its commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through its First@Sports initiative.
FirstBank has a long history of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, with partnerships dating back over a century. The bank has been involved in various sports initiatives, including the Georgian Cup, the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship, and the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship. ChessMasters Director and Co-Founder, Caline Chagoury Moudabar, expressed appreciation for the bank's support, stating that the partnership will help scale the impact of ChessMasters and inspire more schools to participate.
The annual chess tournament aims to equip the next generation with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The competition targets children in primary school aged between 6 and 11 years old. Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, commended the initiative, highlighting its role in nurturing future chess talents.
The N10 million prize pool for ChessMasters 2026 is a significant investment in the development of young minds. FirstBank's commitment to the tournament reflects its dedication to building a more inclusive and engaged society. By promoting chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development, the bank is taking a concrete step towards driving positive change in the community. The partnership between FirstBank and ChessMasters is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving social impact. Ultimately, this initiative has the potential to inspire a new generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers.
